Seven Years and Counting

Oh, Ducky! Seven years ago today I found your name (and photo) on the shelter’s super urgent list in the morning, and by 1 PM you were officially a member of our little family.

Seven years ago today, my life – and your Daddy’s, Callie’s, and Shadow’s lives – changed forever. I had no way of knowing then what it would be like raising a shelter pup. I started thinking you’d be better off with a different family; but then you spent a day at doggie daycare and your demeanor improved so much that I couldn’t give up on you.

Callie helped me so much with you. So did Maria and the other girls at A Dog’s Day Out. Daycare was great for you. It taught you how to get along with other dogs, helped you spend all that turbo-charged energy, and gave you some socialization time, too. And it gave Callie and Shadow a needed break from your rowdy puppy playfulness. As well as the quiet time together and with me that they cherished, that I cherished.

You were a little stinker. Always wanting to leave Shadow out of your fun with Callie. But Callie didn’t let you.

And that awful morning when we had to say goodbye to Callie. You gave her puppy kisses that said “I love you, sis.” And your attitude toward Shadow started to improve. Callie had taught you well.

You had your spats with Shadow over the next 3-1/2 years, but you always made up with her. And when I was at Uncle Doug’s house last year, you were a good girl for Daddy. Then, when Shadow got sick in February, you watched over her for me, along with Callie. You were always right there, keeping her company whenever we had to go out. And you looked for her that weekend when she was at the hospital. And that horrible Monday when we said goodbye to Shadow, you “protected” her in the exam room. And you kissed her, as you had Callie.

You’ve been my and Daddy’s rock since Shadow reunited with Callie. I don’t know what we would have done without you, especially those first few weeks. I know you’re fine on your own in the house when Daddy and I have to leave you for a time; but I miss you from the minute we leave to the minute we get home. If I could, I would take you every place I go, just so you wouldn’t have to be alone in the house. But, then you’re not really alone during those times. Callie and Shadow are here with you, in spirit, watching over you for me.

Ducky, you are definitely one of a kind! You exasperate me, you push my patience to its limits, and you make me question my sanity at times. BUT you are sweet, loving, fun, silly, challenging, and precious all wrapped up in one 30-pound package. And every day I thank God I adopted you from the shelter that warm September afternoon seven years ago!

18 thoughts on “Seven Years and Counting”

  3. jacquie says:

    oh your post brought tears to my eyes as it brought up such bittersweet memories of my dogs and how they have helped over the years especially when we lost a pack member.
    Thank you for such a loving tribute to your sweet and special Ducky. What would we do without them? A very Happy Gotchca Day to you all!

    Liked by 1 person

    • My Golden Life says:

      Thank you, Jacquie! I’m sorry we made you cry. I honestly don’t know what I would do without my sweet little girl. She – and her older sisters – have been my rocks through all sorts of trials and tribulations. Thank you for stopping by!

      Like

  5. Pamela says:

    What a beautiful post. I remember those early days so well. I feel so blessed that you let us into your lives and shared all of your beautiful pups with you.

    As one who has been cheering her on since the beginning, I’m so excited to see how far Ducky has come. She’s a beautiful girl who is lucky to have you. And you are lucky to have her.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Jan K says:

    What a beautiful post!! Ducky definitely landed exactly where she was needed. Happy Gotcha Day, Ducky, big smooches from me and Luke! ♥♥♥

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Sandee says:

    ♫♪Happy Gotcha Day to you,♪♫
    ♫♪Happy Gotcha Day to you,♪♫
    ♫♪Happy Gotcha Day Dear Ducky,♪♫
    ♫♪Happy Gotcha Day to you!♪♫

    Have a woof woof gotcha day. My best to your peeps. ♥

    Liked by 1 person

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